One of the most anticipated new anime for Spring 2024 is almost here. After a long wait, the anime adaptation of Naoya Matsumoto’s breakout manga of 2020, Kaiju No. 8, will finally be seen on the small screen. And to prepare fans for what’s to come, the anime has dropped the preview stills for its first episode, titled The Man Who Became a Kaiju, focusing on introducing Kafka and his first meeting with Reno Ichikawa.
The Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1 stills feature the set of characters that play integral roles in Kafka’s life. The first one shows the menacing look of the monster Kaiju No. 8 himself, hinting at Kafka’s transformation in the anime premiere. It’s followed by a glimpse of a bloody and wounded Kafka. By the looks of it, while in the middle of cleaning, Kafka gets into trouble.
The next still introduces Reno, a young man who aspires to be a member of the Japan Defense Force. He first joins Monster Sweeper as a part-timer and meets Kafka. But despite the cold shoulders he gives him, it all changes when Reno finally learns of Kafka’s personality. The preview also features Kafka’s childhood friend Mina Ashiro in her stunning glory, donning her defense force suit as she continuously fights monsters after defeating too many.
Kafka is then seen holding binoculars while enjoying his meal. It looks like he’s accompanied by someone who is not seen in the preview. For the last still, the monster they’re about to face in the first episode is revealed. With its menacing look, it’s ready to wreak havoc on the city.
You can see the Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1 stills below:
Credit:
Defense Force 3rd Unit ©Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha
Credit:
Defense Force 3rd Unit ©Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha
Credit:
Defense Force 3rd Unit ©Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha
Credit:
Defense Force 3rd Unit ©Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha
Credit:
Defense Force 3rd Unit ©Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha
Credit:
Defense Force 3rd Unit ©Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha
What to Expect from Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1
Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1 is about to introduce the anime’s story, with the monsters threatening the country of Japan every single day. Here, fans will meet Kafka, who gave up on his dream of becoming a member of the Japan Defense Force and started working at a cleaning company instead. In his work, Kafka meets Reno while being sad after failing his promise to fight monsters with Mina.
You can read the synopsis below:
Japan is exposed to the threat of monsters on a daily basis. Kafka Hibino, who was aiming to join the Japan Defense Force to subdue monsters, gave up on his dream and started working at a cleaning company specializing in monsters. Kafka meets his junior, Reno Ichikawa, who aspires to become a defense force, as he feels sad about his promise to fight monsters with his childhood friend, Mina Aheki, who is the commander of the 3rd unit of the defense force.
The anime is based on the manga of the same title by Naoya Matsumoto. It has been serialized since July 2020 and has collected 20 tankobon volumes and has over 13 million copies in circulation as of April 2024. Viz Media has licensed the manga in English. Production I.G. adapted it into anime, premiering in April 2024.
What are the release date and times of Kaiju No. 8?
Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1 is set to be released on Saturday, April 13, at 11 PM JST. It will also be available to stream on Crunchyroll. For other release times based on your region, you can check the list below:
7 AM Pacific Daylight Time
10 AM Eastern Daylight Time
3 PM British Summer Time
4 PM Central European Summer Time
7:30 PM Indian Standard Time
10 PM Philippine Standard Time
11 PM Japanese Standard Time
11:30 PM Australia Central Standard Time
Are you excited to see Kaiju No. 8? With a new anime to watch on your list, this can be your new weekly habit.
